Curious about what goes on behind the scenes at FringeArts? Interested in learning more about the history of our converted theater and restaurant? Join us for our Historic Building Tours at FringeArts!

In 1903, Philadelphia became home to the first High Pressure Fire System (HPFS). Water was pumped through independent mains and red fire hydrants located on sidewalks around the city. These fire plugs had the power to launch a two-inch stream 230 feet vertically at a moment’s notice. All of these plugs were connected to one central location: a high pressure pumping station on Columbus Blvd at Race Street, currently known as FringeArts headquarters. Decommissioned in 2005, HPFS had led to a decline in fire losses and insurance premiums and served as the backbone to the Philadelphia Fire Department for over a century. Today, the words “High Pressure Fire Service” are still on our building, and there are over 900 defunct fire hydrants spread between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers from Girard Avenue to South Street.

But this isn’t your average historic building tour. Get an inside look into the building as it stands now, a performing arts venue featuring theater and studio spaces as well as a restaurant, La Peg. This is your chance to learn about how we’ve revamped the space to promote contemporary art as innovative as the history behind our building.

Grab a drink from La Peg and enjoy Happy Hour before or after your tour. You can meet our staff members by the “Box Office” sign inside La Peg to begin the tour. Tours run approximately 20-30 minutes. Start times vary between 5:30–6:30pm. Make sure to check what time your tour starts when you RSVP.